Equitom: Europe’s leading veterinary Clinic founded by Dr. Tom Mariën
“A happy and motivated team will deliver a more efficient and higher quality service.”
From the foundation of the Equine Care Group to Dr. Mariën’s journey
Horseshowjumping.tv had the honour of interviewing one of the foremost pioneers in international equine veterinary medicine: Dr. Tom Mariën, the founder of the renowned Equitom Veterinary Clinic. Widely respected as one of the world’s leading equine surgeons, Dr. Mariën has dedicated his career and life to equine care, transforming Equitom into a cutting-edge center offering comprehensive services across various veterinary fields.
Born in Belgium in 1970, Dr. Mariën founded Equitom in 2002, after extensive training in the United States with some of the most renowned figures in equine surgery. Today, Equitom has evolved into a world-leading facility, accommodating 150 horses, including patients from over 68 countries worldwide, all benefiting from state-of-the-art technology.
The Equine Care Group, a group made by veterinarians for veterinarians
In 2021, Dr. Tom Mariën co-founded the Equine Care Group (ECG) alongside Frederik Bruyninx, the national show-jumping team veterinarian for Belgium, and Bencis Capital Partners, an investment fund. Their mission was clear: to improve equine veterinary medicine by bringing veterinarians and other specialists within the healthcare sector together into one cohesive group, where they could share knowledge and experiences on a global scale. (Read our article Equine Care Group: Pioneering Excellence in Equine Medicine)
This mission was also a direct response to the increasing trend of veterinary facilities being acquired by large financial entities driven solely by profit, often compromising the quality of care. Dr. Mariën himself had been offered a substantial sum to sell his clinic but declined. Instead, he chose to establish the Equine Care Group, a collective of professionals who share his vision of advancing equine care while always prioritizing the welfare of the horse.
Today, ECG unites over 400 professionals worldwide, setting new standards for equine veterinary care and leading the way in creating an international network that puts the horse’s well-being first.
The Equine Care Group, a group made by veterinarians for veterinarians, is not solely focused on horse care but is also actively involved in research, innovation and education. It fosters a collaborative environment where veterinarians share their knowledge and expertise, not only improving the standard of veterinary medical care but also raising the level of education for new veterinarians while promoting a humble and cooperative approach among professionals.
Another key aspect of the Equine Care Group is its structure, which is divided into various specialized areas, ranging from hospitals to mobile veterinarians, from nutrition to cutting-edge laboratories. This division enables an integrated approach to horse care, enhancing not only diagnosis and treatment but also disease prevention through more accurate and rapid testing, developed in laboratories that work specifically for the veterinary field.
Thanks to these initiatives, the Equine Care Group not only brings together the best of veterinary medicine in Europe but is also working to raise standards in countries where veterinary resources are limited. Dr. Mariën’s ultimate goal is to create a global network that can bring advanced knowledge to less-developed regions, thus contributing to the overall improvement of horse welfare worldwide.
The structure and mission of Equitom
Equitom is not just a clinic; it is a state-of-the-art facility, a glimpse into the future of equine veterinary medicine. The renowned hospital is a true centre of excellence capable of offering specialized care and attracting patients from across Europe and beyond. Its strategic location in Lummen, Belgium, allows easy access not only from France, Germany, and the Netherlands, but also from Spain, Italy and many more European countries.
Tom Mariën, alongside his wife Kadidja Essaheli (Equitom’s General Manager and Marketing Director of ECG), has transformed the clinic from a small operation into one of Europe’s largest and most advanced equine hospitals.
A core principle that sets Equitom apart is its transparency. Horse owners can assist every operation. They can stand in the surgery room beside me. “Everything is open and transparent here… You can assist every procedure, every surgery!” said Tom.
This open-door policy not only increases trust between the vet and the client but also makes the owner an active participant in the care of their animal. This approach fosters a greater understanding of the procedures and closer collaboration among all parties involved, while also encouraging cultural growth within the equestrian sector.
Another crucial aspect of Mariën’s vision is the creation of a positive and stimulating working environment. With a team of 85 professionals, Equitom promotes a workplace culture that values the well-being of its employees. The clinic features modern facilities, including an on-site gym and spaces dedicated to team building, demonstrating how care for the staff is as important as care for the horses. Creating a healthy and supportive company culture not only benefits the employees but also translates into better care for the patients, as “a happy and motivated team can deliver more efficient and professional service.”
Moreover, Equitom is designed to be much more than just a clinic. As Mariën explained, “the hospital facility was conceived to be a place of overall wellbeing, not just for the horses, but also for the people who work here and visit. Nature plays an important role in the clinic’s design: the presence of green spaces and attention to every detail create a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the comfort of patients, clients, and staff alike.” Mariën’s holistic approach, which combines medical excellence with attention to overall wellbeing, is one of the keys to the clinic’s success.
Innovation and Cutting-Edge Technology
Equitom can be compared to a human hospital, with various specialized departments such as surgery, orthopedics, rehabilitation, internal medicine, medical imaging, dentistry, and more. Each department is staffed by European-recognized specialists. The hospital is equipped with the most advanced technologies, including CT scanners, an MRI, a Scintigraphy, a Robotic-CT-scan and a State-of-the-Art fully glass operation room. This surgery room, unique in the world, is completely digital and made with the highest’s standards to reduce the risk of post-operative infections. Equitom is internationally known as the “clinic of last hope,” where even the most difficult and complex cases are often successfully treated.
Dr. Tom Mariën, the founder of Equitom, is a pioneer in veterinary surgery and the inventor of several surgical techniques. He was the first surgeon in the world to successfully remove a kidney through laparoscopy in a standing horse. Additionally, he developed a technique to close the space between the spleen and the left kidney (nephrosplenic space) to prevent recurrent colic. Another groundbreaking technique he created is the reduction of inguinal rings in stallions through a minimally invasive standing surgery to prevent inguinal hernias. These innovations not only improve the quality of care but also shorten recovery times for the animals, ensuring a quicker return to health.
Horses travel from far and wide to Equitom for minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopies and arthroscopies, seeking advanced solutions for complex health issues.
Another fundamental component of Tom’s vision is the idea of a veterinary clinic in constant evolution and improvement. Equitom has grown not only in size but also in the range of services it offers. The clinic continues to invest in new technologies and ever more modern facilities, to ensure the best possible care for horses. Recently, a new wing was built, which includes a state-of-the-art operating theatre and a standing surgery room, demonstrating Equitom’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of the sector’s technological advancements.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Equitom’s structure and vision is its total dedication to animal welfare, which goes beyond mere medical care. Tom and his team are known for fighting tirelessly to save every horse, even when the odds of success are slim. It is not uncommon for the clinic to carry out free operations to give severely ill or injured horses a second chance. As Dr. Mariën stated: “Every horse deserves a second chance.” This level of dedication, driven by a passion for animals, lies at the heart of Equitom’s philosophy.
Tom Mariën’s personal and professional journey
From a young age, Tom’s life was marked by a deep passion for animals and nature. As a child, Tom spent much of his free time outdoors, developing a particular love for horses. This passion led to a special bond with these magnificent animals, a bond that would become the foundation of his career.
During the interview, Tom spoke fondly of his daughter, highlighting how she has inherited the same passion. “My daughter wakes up every morning at six, gets ready, and immediately goes outside to take care of the animals before heading off to school,” he shared. “You could say she has the same obsession I had at her age. She spends hours with the horses, just as I did when I was a child.” Tom expressed his pride in his daughter’s deep interest in animals, seeing himself reflected in her.
By the age of six or seven, Tom already had a clear goal: not only did he want to become a vet, but a surgeon specializing in equine surgery. He told us: “That level of determination is quite rare for a child, especially at a time when Belgium had more cows than horses,” he said, smiling. “Despite the difficulties and the advice from those who thought there was no future in this field, I kept believing in it.”
After completing his studies at the University of Ghent, where he graduated with the highest distinction in 1995, Dr Mariën spent a year as an assistant in the surgery department. However, he soon realised that his professional growth would be limited if he stayed in Belgium, as there were few learning and development opportunities, and the chance to attend conferences or specialised courses was reserved for professors. This prompted him to make a bold decision: to leave Belgium and move to the United States, where he would have the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned veterinary surgeons.
During his time in the U.S., Tom worked in Ohio, California, San Diego, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, learning from some of the most prominent names in equine surgery. One of his major mentors was Professor Dean Richardson, a famous orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
He told us: “Dean Richardson has always been, and still is, a role model for me. To me, he is one of the best surgeons in the world. He has vast experience, and for him, as for me, surgery is not just a job but a way of life. He was also a rider, but a few years ago, he had a fall and was left completely paralysed. He was a leading surgeon in the U.S., a very dynamic, sporty, strong man, even physically. The accident affected me deeply, but despite everything, he managed to recover. Many thought he would never walk again, but he got back in the saddle, a true fighter. I respect him immensely because I share his determination and fighting spirit,” Dr Mariën revealed.
After several years of training in the U.S., Mariën felt the urge to bring the knowledge he had gained back to Europe. With a clear and ambitious vision, he returned to Belgium and decided to found Equitom in 2002. The choice of Lummen was driven by the need to establish a clinic that would be easily accessible not only to Belgian clients but also to those from neighbouring countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Initially, the clinic was small and had limited resources. Tom recalls how he had to rely heavily on the support of a bank that, despite initial reservations, decided to take a chance on him. However, thanks to his determination and the trust of his clients, the clinic grew rapidly, attracting patients from all over Europe and even other parts of the world. Today, Equitom is the largest and most advanced equine veterinary clinic in Europe.
Another defining aspect of Tom’s journey is his unwavering commitment to horses. His passion for surgery extends beyond horses, as he has also used his expertise to save wild animals, including bulls and zoo animals when no other vet was willing to take on the case. This global and altruistic approach to his profession has made him not only a successful surgeon but also a role model for future generations of veterinarians. Kadidja Essaheli, Tom’s wife, plays a key role in overseeing the clinic’s management and human resources, ensuring that Equitom operates efficiently and that the team of professionals is well-supported.
The role of research, education, and technological innovation
Tom Mariën spoke enthusiastically about Equitom’s growing international popularity, highlighting how the clinic receives patients from around the world and has a significant following on social media. Countries such as Japan and Brazil are particularly interested in the educational content shared by Equitom. Although Dr Mariën has never physically been to Japan, he has received feedback from veterinarians who follow his lessons and use these resources to learn new techniques and procedures. Education and knowledge-sharing are, in fact, fundamental pillars of Equitom’s mission.
At the same time, the clinic has a strong focus on research, collaborating with over 30 companies to improve equine veterinary medicine worldwide. One of the most critical areas of research is equine nutrition, a factor Tom believes is central to preventing diseases and improving horses’ overall wellbeing. Through continuous innovation and the constant improvement of medical techniques, Equitom does more than treat horses; it aims to raise the global standard of veterinary medicine, spreading knowledge and pioneering solutions.
To demonstrate the clinic’s ongoing commitment to progress and innovation, it is worth mentioning an event held on 12 September, where the latest technological advancement was presented: the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) in veterinary medicine.
Equitom became the first equine clinic in the world to integrate this cutting-edge technology, to significantly improve surgical outcomes and medical treatments. During the press conference, participants were allowed to witness practical demonstrations of how VR is used in preoperative planning. With detailed 3D visualisations, veterinarians can gain new insights into the anatomy and specific conditions of their patients, opening up unprecedented possibilities.
The implementation of VR in surgery offers unparalleled precision, allowing even the most complex conditions to be treated with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring the best care for every horse that enters the clinic. Moreover, conference attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in the world of VR and experience firsthand how this technology could truly transform the future of veterinary medicine.
The creation of VR images for surgery begins with medical images obtained through CT or MRI scans. These images provide a detailed representation of the horse’s internal structures, such as organs, bones, and tissues. The collected images are then converted into highly detailed 3D models, which accurately represent the patient’s anatomy. During this process, specific anatomical structures, such as bones, muscles, and blood vessels, are identified and reproduced in 3D, giving veterinarians a comprehensive understanding of the horse’s condition.
This initiative represents not only a significant step forward in veterinary technology but also a clear example of Equitom’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the field, continually investing in innovations that improve care for its patients.
Alessandra Ceserani in collaboration with Dr. Tom Mariën | Photos provided by Equitom
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